THE MOVIE

Leo Handler (Mark Wahlberg) has just been released from prison after taking the rap for friends criminal actions. Now that he’s out, he wants to start afresh. He goes home to see his Mum Val (Ellen Burstyn) and learns that his aunt Kitty (Faye Dunaway) is now married to big time rail yard contractor Frank Olchin (James Caan). So it would seem that Leo can get a foot in the door, land a respectable job and stay out of trouble while on parole.

Smooth talking Willie Gutierrez (Joaquin Phoenix) is Frank's right-hand man. He takes Leo aside and shows him the ropes. The contracts to repair and rebuild New York City’s subway cars are extremely lucrative, but preference is often given to minority companies for many contracts. Therefore corruption is rife. Leo soon learns that Willie is in the business of sabotaging the work of rival firms. However, things soon go wrong. Leo puts a cop in a coma, and when the cop regains consciousness, he positively identifies Leo, so now Frank wants Leo dealt with.

The Yards was written and directed by James Gray. This marks his second film after his much praised first crime film called Little Odessa. Interestingly this film was co-written by Matt Reeves who has also written for the TV show Felicity and the film The Pallbearer, so this would seem to be a bit of a change of pace for him. This film also stars Charlize Theron as Leo’s cousin and Willie’s love interest.

THE TRANSFER

Video:

The Yards is presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen and is 16:9 enhanced. This is a pretty decent transfer, but it is quite dark at times and shadow detail isn’t the best. For example the poorly lit interior scene at the party in chapter 2 (9.50 minutes) suffers from some low level background noise. In terms of colour, this yellow scene does contrast nicely with the subsequent red nightclub scene in chapter 3 and the almost green look of the hospital in chapter 10. Conversely, everything under the fluorescent light (chapter 2, 10.20 minutes) looks awesome, with plenty of detail. Despite the different look of the scenes above, colours always look natural, especially skin tones. Other than that, the only real thing I could possibly fault would be the marginal amount of film grain visible on light coloured backgrounds. This film grain is quite often noticeable during some of the bright daytime scenes.

Audio:

The Yards has two soundtrack, an English Dolby 5.1 channel soundtrack as well as an audio commentary (Dolby Digital 2.0 channel soundtrack). The Dolby Digital 5.1 channel soundtrack is satisfactory, but it takes a while to get going. In fact for the first 30 minutes of this film, it’s a very front heavy mix. It’s not until the tension builds somewhat that the rear channels get to see any decent audio action.

There are some nice bass effects in this film, for example the nightclub scene in chapter 3 (14.15 minutes) and the subway scene in chapter 11 (51.45 minutes) which also has a little of rear channel action associated with it as well. Another nice surround moment is the dinner during chapter 12 (56.00 minutes). Dialogue is always clearly audible and there were no observable audio synch problems.

THE EXTRAS

Director’s Commentary
The audio commentary track features writer and director James Gray. He has a lot to say about this film and this is technically a very good commentary track. He talks a lot about how he shot different scenes, lighting, and about the characters in this film. Also, he makes an interesting comment about film length and pace and how he is often bored by fast paced films. He also thinks that films shot in Toronto, which are passed off as New York are cheesy. Overall, he gives you a greater appreciation of this film.

Behind the Scenes
This is a pretty interesting behind the scenes look at the making of The Yards. It is presented in 1.33:1 full frame with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound and runs for approximately 11 minutes. There are interviews with actors Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Faye Dunaway, Ellen Burstyn and James Caan, as well as director James Gray and producer Paul Webster, which are cut together with behind the scenes footage and excerpts from the film.

Trailer
This is a pretty good trailer, which is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen with Dolby Digital 2.0 channel sound. It runs for 2.09 minutes and given the sound mix and the way it has been cut together, it looks like a very different and much faster paced film.

Biographies
Quite comprehensive biographies and filmographies for actors Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron, Faye Dunaway, Ellen Burstyn and James Caan, as well as director James Gray.

Previews
These extra trailers aren’t actually advertised on the packaging, but you get two bonus trailers, one for Boiler Room starring Ben Affleck and Giovanni Ribisi, and one for The Hurricane starring Denzel Washington. Both are presented in 1.85:1 widescreen with Dolby Digital 2.0 channel sound and running times are 2.14 and 2.21 minutes, respectively.

SUMMARY

The Yards is one of those films about powerful mob families and what happens when they learn that someone has become privy to their deep dark and dirty secrets. This film stars Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix and Chalize Theron, amongst others. It’s wasn’t really my cup of tea, but if you’re into The Godfather and films of that nature, then The Yards might appeal to you. The visual transfer and audio soundtrack are satisfactory, and there are a couple of extras including an audio commentary.